We are thinking about moving up to a Catalina 30 in the '78-'80 vintage. Got the Admiral's "all ahead full" orders. Most of the boats we are looking at have the Atomic 4 gas engine. I really had in mind a diesel but the the one's we've looked at with the gas engine seem really nice. What do you all think. Pros and Cons? Thanks!! Also any tips on what to look for?
Thinking About a Catalina 30
- Thread starter Capn Bob
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Since '87, ALL Catalina 30s are Diesel
and most are diesel since about '85. There was a model shift (Mark 1 to the Mark 2) with the '87 year. The major diffrences were to the cockpit (went to a "T" shape that more comfortably fits a wheel) and narrowed the companionway. There were other differences as well (e.g. the traveler went to a flat one insetead of the earlier arched abortion. Steve Alchemist C-30T #4764 ('87) Alchemist C-320 #909
and most are diesel since about '85. There was a model shift (Mark 1 to the Mark 2) with the '87 year. The major diffrences were to the cockpit (went to a "T" shape that more comfortably fits a wheel) and narrowed the companionway. There were other differences as well (e.g. the traveler went to a flat one insetead of the earlier arched abortion. Steve Alchemist C-30T #4764 ('87) Alchemist C-320 #909
Pre-1982
I think it was 1982 that Catalina started putting in a 12HP diesel. Most people feel that those boats are under-powered. They later went to 18HP then 25HP IIRC. The A4 is a perfect engine for the C30. I just checked the compression on mine (1975) and it was 105 PSI +/- 5 ... right where a new engine would be. I have great faith in my A4, it is quiet and smooth compared to many diesels. The only knock is that they burn about twice as much fuel as the diesel powered boats. Known issues with the early boats are keel bolts rusting and rot in the bilge. The rebuild procedure is on-line at the C30 site. The lower shroud chainplates have been upgraded twice (at least) since the boat was introduced in '75. The early boats had 3/8" studs on the lower chainplates. They were upgraded to 1/2" studs, then to U-Bolts. The early rudders are (no nice way to say this) bad. They are terrible under power and give the boat a very heavy helm under sail. The good news is that Catalina will sell you a new style rudder for cheap ($750 when I bought mine). The new rudder completely transformed the boat. I was in a position to by a new or newer boat this year and chose to refit my good old boat instead. I seem to be attached to the old girl (Hull #10). Just remember the boats you are looking at are 25-30 years old. They will provide many of the same challenges as any boat of the same vintage. If you find one that has been well kept, don't let the A4 put you off.
I think it was 1982 that Catalina started putting in a 12HP diesel. Most people feel that those boats are under-powered. They later went to 18HP then 25HP IIRC. The A4 is a perfect engine for the C30. I just checked the compression on mine (1975) and it was 105 PSI +/- 5 ... right where a new engine would be. I have great faith in my A4, it is quiet and smooth compared to many diesels. The only knock is that they burn about twice as much fuel as the diesel powered boats. Known issues with the early boats are keel bolts rusting and rot in the bilge. The rebuild procedure is on-line at the C30 site. The lower shroud chainplates have been upgraded twice (at least) since the boat was introduced in '75. The early boats had 3/8" studs on the lower chainplates. They were upgraded to 1/2" studs, then to U-Bolts. The early rudders are (no nice way to say this) bad. They are terrible under power and give the boat a very heavy helm under sail. The good news is that Catalina will sell you a new style rudder for cheap ($750 when I bought mine). The new rudder completely transformed the boat. I was in a position to by a new or newer boat this year and chose to refit my good old boat instead. I seem to be attached to the old girl (Hull #10). Just remember the boats you are looking at are 25-30 years old. They will provide many of the same challenges as any boat of the same vintage. If you find one that has been well kept, don't let the A4 put you off.
Atomic 4.
I have a 1980 C30 with an Atomic 4 in it and I can't see that I'd spend the money to change it for a diesel. It runs as smooth as silk and I doubt if it ever uses more than half it's 30HP at the boats 61/2 knot hull speed. As I usually only use it to get in and out of the marina and harbor the gas bill for the season will at worst be fifty dollars. I clean it up thoroughly and do the basic maintenance at the beginning and end of the season and it has given me no trouble at all. If everything is kept tight and you use the blower before atarting, the fire hazard should be minimal. I spray all the electrics with an insulator once in a while and have had nothing short or go to ground as yet. Personally I like the little beggar. One real plus is that I never have the stink of diesel fuel in the cabin.
I have a 1980 C30 with an Atomic 4 in it and I can't see that I'd spend the money to change it for a diesel. It runs as smooth as silk and I doubt if it ever uses more than half it's 30HP at the boats 61/2 knot hull speed. As I usually only use it to get in and out of the marina and harbor the gas bill for the season will at worst be fifty dollars. I clean it up thoroughly and do the basic maintenance at the beginning and end of the season and it has given me no trouble at all. If everything is kept tight and you use the blower before atarting, the fire hazard should be minimal. I spray all the electrics with an insulator once in a while and have had nothing short or go to ground as yet. Personally I like the little beggar. One real plus is that I never have the stink of diesel fuel in the cabin.
Atomic 4
Cap'n Bob; I just read that someone burns 2 qts per hour with their A4. Jim G. may only 'sail' every time he is on the boat, but here in the PNW we have lot's of places to go, and the wind may not always be our friend.
Cap'n Bob; I just read that someone burns 2 qts per hour with their A4. Jim G. may only 'sail' every time he is on the boat, but here in the PNW we have lot's of places to go, and the wind may not always be our friend.
Baby Diesel is Universal 5411
The baby Diesel used on the Cat 30 was the Univeral 5411 and it's 11 HP. Is it under powered? Only if you have to fight any type of current or strong head wind. Pefect for the Lake (till they start letting water out at the dam).
The baby Diesel used on the Cat 30 was the Univeral 5411 and it's 11 HP. Is it under powered? Only if you have to fight any type of current or strong head wind. Pefect for the Lake (till they start letting water out at the dam).
PNW vs Great Lakes.
I lived in Campbell River and Chemainus on Vancouver Island for 51/2 years Mick so I know the territory. My three sons were born there. Loved it while I was there but I would no longer swap it for Wisconsin. In all fairness I think you are short changing the Great Lakes. I could take you in to places ( and miles of it ) where you would find it hard to know that you weren't off the Island. True, it's sometimes a long haul to get there, which is why I don't like to use the engine at todays gas prices if I can possibly manage it. As I'm now retired I can usually afford to wait a while for a favorable wind. Jim G.
I lived in Campbell River and Chemainus on Vancouver Island for 51/2 years Mick so I know the territory. My three sons were born there. Loved it while I was there but I would no longer swap it for Wisconsin. In all fairness I think you are short changing the Great Lakes. I could take you in to places ( and miles of it ) where you would find it hard to know that you weren't off the Island. True, it's sometimes a long haul to get there, which is why I don't like to use the engine at todays gas prices if I can possibly manage it. As I'm now retired I can usually afford to wait a while for a favorable wind. Jim G.
PNW vs Great Lakes
Jim, your reply was that you use the A4 to get in and out of the marina. I have read of many interesting places in the Great Lakes, and I admit I have no idea how close you are to them. I am sorry if you took offense to my reply.
Jim, your reply was that you use the A4 to get in and out of the marina. I have read of many interesting places in the Great Lakes, and I admit I have no idea how close you are to them. I am sorry if you took offense to my reply.
A4 'aint so bad
I was kind of concerned when I bought my 1979 Catalina 30 with the A4 in it. I have been pleasantly surprised at its performance so far. In fact, I had it to the engine repair shop for an alignment and a thorough checkup shortly after I bought the boat and I was told that it was in excellent shape for its age and it appeared to have been well cared for. As for burning oil, I check the oil every time we go out and haven't had to add a drop since she was commissioned in April. Oil is clean! I just add some mystery oil every once in a while! I wouldn;t be too concerned if your boat of choice had the A4 as long as it has been maintained by the PO. BTW, my crew on delivery consisted of a long time O'Day owner and a Hunter owner and they both commented on how well the C30 sailed, especially in rough seas, and they still love to go out on my boat! I say go for it on the C30 and the A4! Disclaimer- I mentioned in a previous post about engine failure during delivery...the problem was electrical...I apparently had a bad battery cable and we were having so much trouble coming in, diagnosis underway was impossible. Jack Manning S/V Victim of Fate Atlantic City, NJ
I was kind of concerned when I bought my 1979 Catalina 30 with the A4 in it. I have been pleasantly surprised at its performance so far. In fact, I had it to the engine repair shop for an alignment and a thorough checkup shortly after I bought the boat and I was told that it was in excellent shape for its age and it appeared to have been well cared for. As for burning oil, I check the oil every time we go out and haven't had to add a drop since she was commissioned in April. Oil is clean! I just add some mystery oil every once in a while! I wouldn;t be too concerned if your boat of choice had the A4 as long as it has been maintained by the PO. BTW, my crew on delivery consisted of a long time O'Day owner and a Hunter owner and they both commented on how well the C30 sailed, especially in rough seas, and they still love to go out on my boat! I say go for it on the C30 and the A4! Disclaimer- I mentioned in a previous post about engine failure during delivery...the problem was electrical...I apparently had a bad battery cable and we were having so much trouble coming in, diagnosis underway was impossible. Jack Manning S/V Victim of Fate Atlantic City, NJ
Wow, South Coast of BC swapped for Wisconsin
I've lived in Madison and Chicago, I'm really talking Lake Michigan here. I love Madison and surprisingly I love Chicago, but to swap out coastal BC for those two - not likely. They both have too much snow in winter and humidity in summer. Fresh water lakes, for me, aren't as interesting as the ocean, when was the last whale sighting in Two Rivers? My family belonged to the Madison yacht club, whatever it was called - this was back in the 60's. Boating on the 4 lakes in Madison is fun, but it gets boring after a while. Lake Michigan sailing strikes me the same as California sailing, a bit on the boring side. I haven't sailed California but I have taken a cruise ship and I noticed the coast just wasn't as dynamic as Washington's, BC's, and Alaska. Don't take this to personal, I still don't understand how people can live on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver and move to the Okanagon area - and they do it all the time. I know I would get bored of sailing on Lake Okanagon fairly quickly even though it is a large lake, but definitely smaller than Lake Michigan. Don't interpret this as disliking the Okanagon, I like it - we visit it a lot - all those wineries you know. I'm looking at these locations from a boating perspective, not a great place to live perspective. By the way, Madison and Victoria have always reminded me of each other; small government towns with a large university, friendly people, visual appeal, surrounded by lots of water.
I've lived in Madison and Chicago, I'm really talking Lake Michigan here. I love Madison and surprisingly I love Chicago, but to swap out coastal BC for those two - not likely. They both have too much snow in winter and humidity in summer. Fresh water lakes, for me, aren't as interesting as the ocean, when was the last whale sighting in Two Rivers? My family belonged to the Madison yacht club, whatever it was called - this was back in the 60's. Boating on the 4 lakes in Madison is fun, but it gets boring after a while. Lake Michigan sailing strikes me the same as California sailing, a bit on the boring side. I haven't sailed California but I have taken a cruise ship and I noticed the coast just wasn't as dynamic as Washington's, BC's, and Alaska. Don't take this to personal, I still don't understand how people can live on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver and move to the Okanagon area - and they do it all the time. I know I would get bored of sailing on Lake Okanagon fairly quickly even though it is a large lake, but definitely smaller than Lake Michigan. Don't interpret this as disliking the Okanagon, I like it - we visit it a lot - all those wineries you know. I'm looking at these locations from a boating perspective, not a great place to live perspective. By the way, Madison and Victoria have always reminded me of each other; small government towns with a large university, friendly people, visual appeal, surrounded by lots of water.
To the north.
Can't say I'd argue with much of what you say rsm48 ( whoever the heck THAT might be ) but of course, not all. I don't think I'd bother owning a boat in Madison and the last time I sailed southern Lake Michigan was to bring my newly bought boat up from Racine. As to Lake Okanagan, great place to sunbath and swim, but sailing ?. Like you, I'd be bored to death. But, draw a line from Green Bay and across Lake Michigan and go north of that and you'll find a different world. Slip through the Straits and across to Georgian Bay and if you don't like THAT, you're hard to please. As to the weather, well, let's not dwell on your rain out there, it's a bit like hitting below the belt don't you think. If you haven't lived here for some years you'd be surprised at what global warming has done to us in the northern half. I used to cross-country ski going on four months a year ( no kidding ). Now I'm lucky to get a couple or three weeks. Two winters ago I didn't ski at all !. White Christmasses are becoming hard to come by. The down side is that we have seen humidity up here now that was fairly minimal years ago. Couldn't bring myself to knock BC of course but BC-ers, including most of my lifelong friends there, DO seem to be very parochial and don't seem to think that there are other great places to live and sail too.
Can't say I'd argue with much of what you say rsm48 ( whoever the heck THAT might be ) but of course, not all. I don't think I'd bother owning a boat in Madison and the last time I sailed southern Lake Michigan was to bring my newly bought boat up from Racine. As to Lake Okanagan, great place to sunbath and swim, but sailing ?. Like you, I'd be bored to death. But, draw a line from Green Bay and across Lake Michigan and go north of that and you'll find a different world. Slip through the Straits and across to Georgian Bay and if you don't like THAT, you're hard to please. As to the weather, well, let's not dwell on your rain out there, it's a bit like hitting below the belt don't you think. If you haven't lived here for some years you'd be surprised at what global warming has done to us in the northern half. I used to cross-country ski going on four months a year ( no kidding ). Now I'm lucky to get a couple or three weeks. Two winters ago I didn't ski at all !. White Christmasses are becoming hard to come by. The down side is that we have seen humidity up here now that was fairly minimal years ago. Couldn't bring myself to knock BC of course but BC-ers, including most of my lifelong friends there, DO seem to be very parochial and don't seem to think that there are other great places to live and sail too.
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